Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs sweeping law that prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion at public schools and universities

"Leroy N. Soetoro" <[email protected]> Tue, 2 Apr 2024 03:22:34 -0000 (UTC)
Newsgroups alabama.politics,alt.fan.rush-limbaugh,sac.politics,alt.politics.usa.republican,talk.politics.misc,talk.politics.guns
Organization The next war will be fought against Socialists, in America and the EU.
Message-ID <[email protected]>
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/us/alabama-bill-bans-dei-public-
universities-reaj/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a sweeping bill into law Wednesday that 
prohibits public schools and universities from maintaining or funding 
diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

The law, known as SB129, also requires public universities to “designate 
restrooms on the basis of biological sex” — which Alabama law defines as 
“the physical condition of being male or female, as stated on the 
individual’s original birth certificate” — and not the gender that aligns 
with how a person identifies.

In a statement shared with CNN Wednesday, Gov. Ivey said her 
administration “will continue to value Alabama’s rich diversity,” but she 
vowed to stop DEI supporters and proponents from pursuing a “liberal 
political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe.”

The law goes into effect on October 1, 2024.

SB129 comes amid a nationwide push from conservative lawmakers to limit 
the rights of transgender and LGBTQ individuals and ban DEI programs after 
the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action.

The legislation prohibits local public school boards and universities from 
maintaining an office or department that promotes DEI. It also bars 
students, employees, and contractors from being required to attend any DEI 
“training, orientation, or course work that advocates or requires assent 
to a divisive concept.”

The legislation outlines eight “divisive concepts” including discussions 
around conscious or subconscious racism and sexism, and whether 
“meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist” 
that are now prohibited.

It also empowers state agencies – including local boards of education and 
public universities – to “discipline or terminate the employment of any 
employee or contractor who knowingly violates this act.”

However, the law specifically notes that it does not prohibit students and 
staff from hosting DEI programs “provided that no state funds are used.” 
Universities are also still allowed to “engage in recruiting and outreach 
programs” and teach topics and events in a “historically accurate 
context.”

Earlier this month, protesters rallied outside of the Alabama state 
capitol and urged lawmakers to oppose the bill, holding signs that read 
“Democracy thrives on diversity” and “DEI saves lives.”

The ACLU of Alabama also spoke out against state lawmakers’ attempt to 
frame DEI programs as “divisive.”

“This bill is intended to have a chilling effect on discourse regarding 
race, class, sexuality, and national origin, and seeks to characterize 
these discussions and accurate teachings, assignments, and trainings that 
also supplement them as ‘divisive,’” the legal advocacy group wrote in a 
statement on their website.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has said he would encourage Black 
athletes to consider attending universities outside of his state if the 
bill were to become a law.

“To the State of Alabama: Why would you make it illegal for institutions 
of higher learning to promote diversity and inclusion among its faculty 
and staff? Why would you block fair representation and opportunities for 
all people,” Woodfin wrote on X.

“Although I’m the biggest Bama fan, I have no problem organizing Black 
parents and athletes to attend other institutions outside of the state 
where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.”


-- 
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